Mundie Moms

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Book Review- The Iron Witch

By Karen Mahoney
Published by Flux
To Be Released on February 8th, 2011
Source- Flux
4.5 stars- It's a fantastic read

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect (quoted from Goodreads).

I love a story that introduces me to fantastic characters, has a plot that keeps me guessing, and leaves feeling satisfied, but also wanting more. The Iron Witch is a wonderful, captivating read that holds magic, romance, and danger within it's pages. It's a story that blends together fairytale and lore perfectly.

Donna Underwood is a breathe of fresh air! Her character completely drew me into her world. She's someone who I completely loved getting to know, as she's a fierce, loyal, devoted friend, and someone who can kick your butt, and yet has a bit of innocence to her. She has a fabulous voice and is someone I related to on a few levels and a character I came to admire. Donna has a special ability, a magical power if you will and through out the course of her story and with the help of her love interest Xan, she realizes she doesn't need to hide who she really is. I'm saying that vaguely so I don't give anything away.

I completely loved the love triangle Karen wrote, as Donna has this fabulous best friend Navin, and then Xan. Navin is a brilliant character as he and Donna have been friends for years. He's been her rock and the one person who's made her feel normal, though she's far from it. Then there's Xan. I completely love his character, though there's something about him that makes me wonder what Karen will reveal about him in the next book. He's far from perfect, and that's one of the things I like about him. Donna and Xan's chemistry is spellbinding and I couldn't get enough and yet wanted more of them.

Along with a fabulous mix of human and paranormal characters, is a wonderful plot that reveals more about alchemy, which was a fabulous addition to this story! I really enjoyed the secrecy and magic that surrounded the plot and unfolds as the story progresses. I found Karen's alchemy to fascinating, unique and creepy all at the same time. I have to say the beautiful cover is the perfect fit for this fantastic story! Normally I don't compare authors in my reviews, but being a huge fan of Cassandra Clare's, I'll say that Karen's writing is one that is similar to Cassie's, as she knows how to create a world and characters that hooked me from the get go, and she gave me just enough information about them and the plot to keep me hooked, but doesn't reveal too much which kept guessing as to what will happen next. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and highly recommend picking up The Iron Witch!

Interview with The Body Finder & Desires of the Dead author, Kimberly Derting


I'm thrilled to have our next featured author from The Dark Days of Supernatural tour, Kimberly Derting, on our site today. Her series has quickly become one of my favorites (I'll be posting my reviews for both of her books soon). I don't know what took me so long to pick up The Body Finder, but WOW! I read it in one sitting. If you haven't read it, go pick it up!! It is a brilliantly written love story, murder mystery that will leave you sighing, laughing out loud and holding your breathe. Desires of the Dead is just as good and I highly recommend pre-ordering it!



The Body Finder has a little bit of everything- hot chemistry, a murder mystery and of course gut wrenching senses. What element did you enjoy writing the most?
I hate to admit this, but I really enjoy writing from the killer’s point of view. I know, weird, right? When my editor asked for more of these chapters, I was practically giddy.

Desires of Dead is set to release soon (yay!), did you find it easier to continue writing Violet's story and harder?
Maybe not harder so much, but I definitely felt more pressure this time around. I think most authors, especially if it’s a series, worry about their second book living up to the first one.

What do you admire most about Violet?
I love that she’s willing to embrace her ability, and that she may end up using it to help others. I also love that every decision isn’t always easy for her, because I don’t think life is like that.

What is one thing indulgence you've allowed yourself to have since you're books have been released?
I recently hired a part-time assistant, which feels like a huge luxury for me! We’ll see how it works out though, considering I may be a tad bit controlling. Of course it helps that she’s my oldest daughter, so she’s used to my bossy ways. :)

We're all hoping there will be more to Violet's story (crosses fingers). Are there any other things you'd like to write about (wolves, vampires etc)?
I wish I could share more Violet and Jay news with you, but (for now at least) my lips are sealed!!

I do have another project I’ve been working on that hasn’t been announced yet. Can I just say, I’m super-excited about it and I hope readers will like the new world I’ve created!?!? Okay, yes, I just said that, didn’t I?
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Thank you Kimberly for joining us today! We can't wait to hear about your secret project!!

Desires of the Dead

Be sure to visit the Dark Days of Super Natural page (http://www.harperteen.com/feature/darkdays/) to read an excerpt of Desires of the Dead, grab your widget and much more. Let me just say, if you thought The Body Finder was good, wait till you read Desires of the Dead! I'll be posting my review soon.


Be sure to visit our site later in the month, as we have a stop in the upcoming Desires of The Dead blog tour hosted by The Teen Scene Blog Tours.

Waiting on Wednesday- Desires of the Dead

By Kimberly Derting
Published by Harper Teen
To Be Released on February 15th, 2011


The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger (quoted from goodreads).

I'm very excited that Kimberly's sequel to The Body Finder, Desires of The Dead will be released on the 15th of this month! I started reading it last night and let just say, if you loved The Body Finder, go pre-order this book right now! Don't miss my interview with Kimberly, along with The Dark Days of Supernatural Tour information, which will be posted shortly!

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